Associating unique identifiers of primary and enriching content

ABSTRACT

A unified system of unique identifiers is used to match enrichment content with primary content being delivered by subscribers, e.g. broadcasters, in different markets, market segments, etc. Songs, video, advertisements, or other content from multiple different content publishers or databases, each of which may be assigned identifiers using different identification systems, are assigned a unified, unique identifier. The unique identifiers are also mapped to content identifiers used by subscribers. When subscribers provide primary content, for example by broadcasting the content to end users, enrichment content is matched to the unified, unique identifier associated with the content, and appropriate enrichment data and content are sent to the subscriber for distribution along with the primary content.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application is a continuation of U.S.Utility application Ser. No. 14/016,401, entitled “Unifying ConflictingMedia Identifiers,” filed Sep. 3, 2013; which is a continuation of U.S.Utility application Ser. No. 13/356,483, entitled “Content EnrichmentUsing Unified System of Unique Identifiers,” filed Jan. 23, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,527,527; which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S.Utility application Ser. No. 12/475,363, entitled “Associating WorksWith Unique Identifiers,” filed May 29, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,103,681; all of which are hereby incorporated herein by referenceherein in their entirety and made part of the present U.S. UtilityPatent Application for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to utilizing uniqueidentifiers, and more particularly to associating works with uniqueidentifiers.

BACKGROUND

Content providers send songs and other content to broadcasters andothers in any of a number of formats. While numbering systems used byparticular content providers may be internally consistent, broadcastersreceiving content from providers using different numbering schemes areleft with the sometimes difficult task of coordinating the differentnumbering systems to allow efficient management of their own businesses.Known arrangements and processes are less than perfect for dealing withthe many issues arising from inconsistent and possibly incompatiblenumbering schemes.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments include a method for use in a system that receivesprimary content from a plurality of sources, and delivers content to aplurality of subscribers for further distribution to end users. Variousmethods include receiving a message, which may be a push-now-playing(PNP) message including a primary content alias and a stationidentifier, the primary content identifier associated with a primarycontent element being delivered by a subscriber, and the stationidentifier indicating a station on which the primary content is beingdelivered. The method also matches an alias assigned or otherwiseassociated with the primary content, with a master unified numberingsystem (UNS) identifier. Enrichment data can be selected based on themaster UNS identifier and provided to the subscriber.

Additionally, a determination can be made about which enrichment data toprovide to a subscriber based on subscriber preferences associated withthe primary content being delivered. In some implementations, differentenrichment data can be provided to different subscribers, even if eachof the subscribers is delivering the same primary content element.Subscriber preferences can be associated with a master UNS identifier.In some cases enrichment data is provided based on an override statusassociated with the station, and based on whether the station requestingenhanced data is a master station. Furthermore, enrichment dataassociated with scheduled content items identified in a PNP message canbe temporarily stored in an enrichment cache. UNS identifiers can alsobe used to track public performances of the primary content by multipledifferent subscribers, and to assist in implementing billing procedures.

At least one embodiment includes a server for use in a system thatreceives primary content from a plurality of sources, and deliverscontent to a plurality of subscribers for further distribution to endusers. The server includes circuitry to implement an initial matchmodule and a re-match module. The initial match module is configured tomatch each of a plurality of primary content items received from aplurality of sources implementing different identification schemes to amaster unified numbering system (UNS) identifier, and to match each of aplurality of aliases employed by a plurality of different subscribers toa master UNS identifier. The re-matching module is configured toun-match an alias from an associated master UNS identifier in caseswhere the alias and the master UNS identifier are mismatched, andre-match an unmatched alias to a master UNS identifier. The server canalso include circuitry configured to implement various methods describedherein.

Various embodiments also include a server that includes circuitryconfigured to implement a push-now-playing PNP service that receives aPNP message including an alias identifying a primary content elementcurrently being broadcast, and a station identifier associated with asubscriber station currently broadcasting the primary content. Theserver also includes circuitry configured to match the alias to a UNSidentifier, circuitry configured to use the master UNS identifier todeliver enriched content to the subscriber; and circuitry configured todetermine and store billing information associated with delivery of theenriched content.

Various embodiments can be implemented as system, including memory, acommunications interface coupled to the memory and configured to receiveinformation associated with a work, and a processor operably coupled tothe communications interface and to the memory. The processor can beconfigured to execute a program of instructions to perform the varioustechniques and tasks disclosed herein. Yet other embodiments can takethe form of a computer readable medium tangibly embodying a program ofcomputer executable instructions. In some implementations, circuitryother than a programmed processor can be used to implement the variedembodiments described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of this disclosure will become apparent upon reading thefollowing detailed description and upon reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall architecture of aunified matching system capable of delivering enriched or enhancedcontent to subscribers, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating un-matching and re-matchingcontent in an exemplary context of providing enriched or enhancedcontent, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating overriding enriched or enhancedcontent indicators received in a push-now-playing (PNP) message,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a broadcasting system employing a unifiednumbering system (UNS) to deliver content to subscribers according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a UNS processingsystem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating information flow between variouselements of an interactive system according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of tracking publicperformances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating matching a work to a UNSidentifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating interactive delivery of contentaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a high-level block diagram of a processing system accordingto embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosuredepicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in suchdetail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount ofdetail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations ofembodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Various embodiments described in this disclosure permit content from anumber of different content providers—each of which may utilize adifferent, proprietary numbering or identification scheme—to beaccessed, processed, tracked, or otherwise handled based on anoverarching, or unified numbering system (UNS). Such a numbering system,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, can allowtracking of content from multiple different content libraries forvarious purposes. Various embodiments of the present disclosure canutilize a UNS to facilitate, for example, verifying that a particularwork has been publicly performed, establishing royalty payments toorganizations assigned to collect those payments, such as the AmericanSociety of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) or Broadcast MusicIncorporated (BMI), to set advertising rates, or the like.

In some implementations, the UNS system is also used to match enhancingor enrichment content with primary content, to allow subscribers toreceive appropriate enhancing or enriching content for further broadcastor delivery to end users. For example, if the primary content is a songfrom a particular musical group's compact disc, that particular song canbe assigned a particular UNS number. Enriching or enhancing content, forexample, album cover art, song title, video, interviews, articles,length of song, date the song was written, whether the song is a remake,band member names, or similar information, can be associated with theUNS number of the primary content. When the primary content is broadcastor otherwise delivered by a subscriber, the subscriber can send amessage to a UNS server or other system device that includes anidentifier associated with the primary content. Using the identifierreceived in the PNP or other message, the UNS system determines a UNSidentifier associated with the primary content, matches the enrichingcontent to the UNS identifier, and delivers the enriching content to thesubscriber.

Various embodiments can employ matching techniques to conformidentifiers that might be used by multiple different music libraries,advertisers, or other content providers into a common, unified numberingsystem. For example, some embodiments include systems and methods thatallow a song or other work having multiple different aliases to belinked or associated with a single unique identifier to facilitatetracking, or other suitable uses of information associated with a work.

Some embodiments can take advantage of a UNS as part of interactivecontent delivery. For example, a subscriber can provide a processingsystem with information about preferences, such as the type ofinformation a user desires to receive in conjunction with the broadcastof a song or other work. One subscriber may request to receiveinformation limited to song titles, while another can requestinformation about an artist performing the song, the year the song wasreleased, the song's chart ranking, or the like.

Various embodiments can deliver different information to differentsubscribers during a time when each of the different subscribers isreceiving the same broadcast work, where the term ^(“)work” is used inthe present disclosure interchangeably with the term “primary content.”Furthermore, some embodiments permit a subscriber to record preferenceson a portable device while receiving a broadcast of the work. Thesubscriber can subsequently connect the portable device to a network,such as the Internet, to provide the preferences to a server, which willrespond to the subscriber's preferences by providing content associatedwith the work being broadcast at the time the subscriber recorded hispreference.

An initial assignment, or match, of a UNS identifier to a partneridentifier, or an initial match of a subscriber alias to a UNSidentifier, may need to be un-matched or re-matched if, for example, thepartner or subscriber make changes to primary content or identifiers.For example, if a subscriber, using primary content associated with aUNS identifier, changes the primary content so that it no longer matchesthe primary content associated with the UNS identifier, the PNP messagesent by the subscriber to the UNS system could cause the UNS system tosend incorrect enriching information to the subscriber. Thus, if contentassociated with an alias matched primary content associated with a UNSidentifier at one time, but no longer does, the alias and the UNSidentifier, also referred to as a “master” identifier, can be unmatchedand re-matched as required or desired. Likewise if a partner or contentprovider changes either the primary content, or an identifier associatedwith primary content, the primary content can be re-matched with a newmaster UNS identifier, or unmatched and re-matched with an appropriateexisting master UNS identifier.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a UNS system 100 is illustrated and discussedaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure. UNS system100 may include UNS server and processing circuitry 126, which mayinclude initial match module 138 and unmatch/re-match module 124, UNSdatabase 102, content import services 116, content and enrichment datapull services 106, internal publishers 114, external publishers 112,partners/other data sources 110, enhancement database 104, enrichmentcache 142, cache refresh service 144, UNS enrichment subscribers 128.

In various embodiments, UNS database 102 stores information associatingunique master UNS identifiers with provider identifiers of primarycontent, which can be provided by content publishers and other datasources such as internal publishers 114, external publishers 112, andpartners 110. UNS database 102 can also store information linkingvarious primary content aliases to a master UNS identifier. Note thatalthough the term UNS stands for unified numbering system, UNSidentifiers are not necessarily limited to numbers, but can includealphanumeric characters, or other suitable identifier types, so long asubstantially unique UNS identifier can be used for each piece ofprimary content. Uniqueness can be determined at any suitable point intime, and thus UNS identifiers can, in some instances, be re-used if nolonger assigned to other primary content. This situation can arise, forinstance, when a primary content advertisement is no longer used anddoes not need to be tracked in the future. In this and similar cases,UNS numbers can be reused if desired.

UNS database 102 can receive instructions and content from UNS serverand processing circuitry 126 directly, or under control of UNS serverand processing circuitry, although all such data connections are notillustrated to simplify discussion. UNS server and processing circuitrycan also send data to enhancement database 104 directly or via UNSdatabase 102 and enrichment DB extract, transfer, load (ETL) circuitry118, which stores enrichment and enhancement data to be provided to UNSenrichment subscribers 128 for delivery to end users via various systemssuch as Radio Data System (RDS), high definition radio (e.g., HD orHD2), via television, cable, satellite, or the Internet, for example viaClear Channel online music radio (CCOMR).

UNS server and processing circuitry can include a processor, server,specialized circuitry, or combination thereof, and can be used toimplement an initial match module 138, which performs or assists ingenerating master UNS identifiers and establishing associations betweenmaster UNS identifiers, primary content, partner and publisheridentifiers, and alias identifiers used by subscribers such as UNSenrichment subscribers 128. Re-match module 124, can be used todetermine whether or not content should be unmatched from a current UNSidentifier, or re-matched. The same or separate circuitry can be used toperform re-matching as that used to perform initial matching. Thecontent to be assigned master UNS identifiers can be received fromcontent import services 116, which in turn obtains the content fromcontent and enrichment data pull services 106 in some embodiments.

Initial match module 138 can also be used in embodiments in which someinstances of primary content are duplicated for use in differentmarkets, or for use with variable service or subscription levels. Forexample, in some cases where particular primary content is designatedfor selective delivery only, e.g. to premium subscribers, multipleinstances of the primary content can be created—each with its own UNSidentifier. In some such cases, the UNS identifiers associated with eachof the multiple instances of the primary content can be linked to aparticular master UNS identifier, which can facilitate providingenhanced content to subscribers. In some cases, one of the UNSidentifiers associated with one of the instances can be designated asthe master UNS identifier, while in others a third UNS identifier isdesignated as the master UNS identifier. Using multiple UNS identifiersfor multiple instances of content can facilitate managing content orproviding enrichment based on the UNS identifier of particular content.For example, providing some enrichment for content having a UNSidentifier in one range, while UNS numbers in another range can beprovided a different level of enrichment content.

Note that in some embodiments, a master UNS identifier can also beassigned to a collection of enhancement or enrichment content, and themaster UNS identifier associated with primary content can be associatedwith an enrichment UNS identifier associated with the enrichmentcontent. In at least one embodiment, enrichment content is stored inenhancement database 104 with a relational entry linking the enrichmentcontent to a master UNS identifier that is associated with primarycontent. In this way, by identifying a master UNS identifier associatedwith particular content, enrichment content can be indirectly linked tothe primary content.

In at least one embodiment, a radio automation system implemented by aUNS enrichment subscriber 128 can be programmed or otherwise configuredto play or broadcast a playlist of songs and advertisements via variouscommunication channels. In at least one embodiment, a push-now-playing(PNP) message is generated by radio automation system 108, and deliveredto PNP service 122. As described herein, a PNP message can includemetadata describing a station, band frequency, and primary contentelement, artist, title, length currently playing at a specific radiostation, as well as the metadata for a number of elements scheduled toplay after the current element. PNP messages are generally sent from anindividual station during a time when elements are playing, and are sentto the UNS system for play count tracking, matching, enrichment, anddelivery to final endpoints, such as HD Radio, car displays, etc.

PNP service 122 uses the contents of the PNP message, which can includean alias identifier of the content being broadcast, to identify theappropriate master UNS identifier, which is in turn used to identifyenrichment content associated with the master UNS identifier. In variousembodiments, PNP service 122 can pull the appropriate enrichment orenhancement data from enrichment cache 142. Enrichment cache 142 can insome embodiments, be used to temporarily store content that is expectedto be played in the near future. For example, some PNP messages includeinformation for the next 9 songs to be played. Thus, enrichmentinformation for those next 9 songs can be copied from enhancementdatabase 104 into enrichment cached 142 in preparation for the next PNPmessage from the same station, which more likely than not will indicatethat the next scheduled song, as indicated in the previous PNP message,is currently being broadcast. In some embodiments, a cache refreshservice 144 is used to update enrichment cache 142 periodically, uponrequest from radio automation system 108, or upon request from UNSserver and processing circuitry. Use of enrichment cache 142 and cacherefresh service 144 is optional in some implementations. Also, althoughnot specifically illustrated, PNP service 122 can be implemented as adedicated server machine, as part of UNS server and processing circuitry126, or as part of radio automation system 108.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a method 202 according to various embodimentsof the present disclosure is illustrated. Method 202 may begin at block204 by receiving, usually from a subscriber, information indicating analias of a song or other content currently being broadcast or played bya particular subscriber. The information can be received in the form ofa PNP message, a request, a response to an inquiry sent by a UNS server,PNP service, or otherwise.

The information contained in the PNP message can include an aliasidentifier associated with the song or other content being played by thesubscriber. As illustrated by block 210, a check can be made todetermine whether content associated with the alias identifier includedin the PNP message matches primary content associated with a masteridentifier. For example if the alias included in the PNP messageindicates that Song A is being broadcast, the alias can be examined todetermine if the alias is associated with a master UNS identifier in theUNS database. If SONG A is not associated with a master UNS identifierstored in the UNS database, block 210 may return a NO result. In someembodiments, a NO result is also returned at block 210 if contentassociated with the alias in the PNP message does not match the contentassociated with a corresponding master UNS identifier. For example, ifthe alias indicates SONG A, but is actually the content associated witha master UNS identifier associated with SONG B, the result of block 210will be NO.

As illustrated by block 206, if the result of block 210 is NO, and thealias included in the PNP does not match any current master UNSidentifier, an initial match can be performed at block 208. However, ifthe alias identified in the PNP message is a mismatch, and it matcheswith an incorrect master UNS identifier, the alias can be un-matched atblock 212. Once unmatched, the alias can then be re-matched at block 214with a correct master UNS identifier. Matching and re-matching can beperformed in a manner similar to matching content when initiallyreceived from a content source, partner, or other provider. Once analias is properly matched to a master UNS identifier, informationrelating the alias to the master UNS identifier can be stored in the UNSdatabase, as illustrated at block 216.

As illustrated by block 218, in response to the alias being properlymatched to a master UNS identifier, a check can be made to determinewhether the master UNS identifier matches a partner identifier orcontent. Note that partner identifiers refer to identifiers assigned bycontent providers, publishers, partners, or the like. In a mannersimilar to block 210, block 218 can check for both unmatched andmismatched master UNS identifier/Partner pairs. Thus, if the master UNSidentifier does not match any stored partner identifier, or if thecontent associated with the master UNS identifier matches contentassociated with a different partner identifier than expected, block 218can return a NO result.

At block 224, a determination can be made regarding whether there is nomatch between master and partner, or a mismatch. In the event of nomatch, an initial match process can be performed at block 226. In theevent of a mismatch, the master UNS identifier and the partneridentifier can be unmatched at block 228 and re-matched at block 232.Once the master UNS identifier and the partner identifier are properlymatched, the UNS database is updated at block 234 accordingly.

As shown by block 236, if a PNP message specifies an alias that matchesa master UNS identifier, and the master UNS identifier matches a partneridentifier, enrichment information can be provided to the requestingsubscriber. In some embodiments, the PNP message itself, or a portionthereof, can be enriched and forwarded to a requesting subscriber. Inother embodiments, the enrichment data can be sent via a separatemessage on the same communications channel, or via a completelydifferent communications channel. Thus, a PNP message can result inenrichment data being provided to the originator of the PNP message in aresponse via a control channel, or via a dedicated communication link.Furthermore, although the enrichment data is provided by the UNS systemin some embodiments, in other embodiments some or all of the enrichmentdata can be provided to subscribers via a third party in response tocontrol or authorization signals provided by the UNS system.

Referring next to FIG. 3, a method 340 for servicing requests forenrichment data is illustrated and discussed. As illustrated at block342, a PNP message can be received from a subscriber's station, and caninclude a request for enhancement or enriching data to be supplied. Insome embodiments, the PNP message includes a specific request forenhancement, while in others the receipt of a PNP message acts as animplicit request for enhancement or enrichment. The PNP request can comefrom a “master” station, which refers to a subscriber station thatprovides content for retransmission by “slave” stations. The term“slave” station refers to stations that retransmit content provided bymaster stations. In some cases slave stations may retransmit a largeportion of the same content transmitted by master stations, yet still beprovided some time slots to fill independently with advertisements orother content, for example content specific to a local geographicregion. In other examples, a master station can correspond to a primarybroadcast station, and a slave station can correspond to an Internetstation that rebroadcasts most of the content broadcast by the primarybroadcaster, with some allowance for minor differences. In some cases,for example, a master station may request enhancement for itself andparticular slave stations, while prohibiting slave stations to receiveenriched data. This allows, for example, users of a first slave stationto receive one level of enhancement, and users of another slave stationto be blocked from receiving enhancing data, despite the fact that bothslave stations are rebroadcasting essentially the same primary contentthat was initially broadcast by a master station.

At block 344, a check can be made to determine if a station override isactive. A station override can refer to a preference, flag, hardware orsoftware setting, or the like that indicates whether a PNP message fromany station should always result in delivery of enrichment information,if enrichment information is available. In other embodiments, thestation override can be set on a per-master basis. In some suchembodiments, if a master station has a corresponding station overrideflag set (or cleared depending on whether negative or positive logic isused), further checks are performed before providing enrichment data toany slave stations under control of the master station. If the stationoverride setting indicates that no slave stations under control of amaster station identified in the PNP message are prohibited fromreceiving enrichment data, enhancement data can be provided in responseto the PNP message.

If the station override is active, a master/slave override list can beobtained at block 346. The master/slave override list can be, in someinstances, a list identifying which slave stations under control of aparticular master station are allowed to receive enhancement data. Insome instances, the list can also indicate which level of enhancementdata a particular slave station is authorized to receive. In some casesan amount of enrichment data, for example a number of enhancementsrequested, can also be included in the master/slave override list. Insome embodiments, multiple lists are used. In some such instances, adifferent list is used for slave stations associated with differentmaster stations. In other embodiments a single list includes informationfor all subscribing master stations and their corresponding slavestations. The master/slave override list can also be used to distinguishbetween master stations that subscribe to receive enrichment data, andthose that do not.

As illustrated by block 348, if the station ID associated with the PNPmessage is on the list as a slave, further processing can be performed.If block 348 indicates that the station ID associated with the PNPmessage is not on the list as a slave, method 340 may ignore theoverride as illustrated by block 352, and may provide the enrichedcontent as illustrated by block 358.

As illustrated by block 354, if the station ID in the PNP message is noton the list of slave stations, a check can be made to determine if thestation ID is a master station. If the station ID is neither a slavestation nor a master station, an enriched PNP message can be deliveredto the subscriber station.

If, at block 354 a determination is made that the station ID associatedwith the PNP message is on the master/slave list, but is on the list asa master, method 340 proceeds to block 356. As illustrated by block 356,the UNS can process a PNP message that includes a station ID associatedwith a master station by updating the enterprise station ID originallyincluded in the PNP message to refer to a slave station associated withthe master station, and processing the updated PNP message as if it werethe original PNP message. This process can be repeated for each slavestation associated with the master station. Updating the enterprisestation ID in the PNP message can be used to facilitate proper billingand accounting of content known to have been played on each slavestation, and to facilitate proper delivery of enriched data and metadatato slave stations.

An example of the procedure described at block 356 is a live overrideprocedure in which PNP or other messages originating from a masterstation are copied out to each of multiple different slave stations(sometimes referred to as subscriber stations) while PNP or othermessages from the slave stations can be suppressed or ignored.

Referring next to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a broadcasting systememploying a UNS is illustrated according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. System 400 can include a processing system in communicationwith one or more content libraries. For example, FIG. 4 shows a system400 having a processing system 420, which is in communication withcontent library A 413, content library B 415, and content library C 417.Processing system 420 may also be in communication with a UNS database405 and an enhancement library 407. Content library A 413 can provideprocessing system 420 with information associated with various works,including songs, advertisements, or the like, indexed using aproprietary, or nonproprietary numbering or other identification system.The indexing format in which content library A 413 provides informationto processing system 420 may be different from the indexing format ofinformation provided by content library B 415, and different still fromthat used by content library C 417. Processing system 420 can receiveinformation from all three content libraries 413, 415 and 417, andassign each work from the various content libraries a unique number. Theunique number associated with each element of content provides a singleunified numbering system for all the content, regardless of its source.

Processing system 420 can also be in communication with UNS database 405and enhancement library 407. UNS database 405 can store uniqueidentifiers and other information linking content from content librariesA 413, B 415, and C 417 in a uniform manner. So for example, whenprocessing system 420 receives content, a numeric, alphanumeric, orother identifier selected from a single set of identifiers can beassociated with the received content, and the identifier stored in UNSdatabase 405.

In some embodiments, UNS database 405 stores not only identifiersassociated with received content, but also the content itself, and otherrelated information. For example, when processing system 420 retrievescontent from one of the content libraries A 413, B 415, or C 417,processing system 420 can also retrieve enhanced content fromenhancement library 407. An association can be established between theinformation received from enhancement library 407 and content retrievedfrom content libraries A 413, B 415, or C 417. In some embodiments, theenhanced content may be added, updated, or otherwise integrated withcontent received from content libraries A 413, B 415, or C 417, andstored along with that content in UNS database 405.

Enhanced content from enhancement library 407 may include informationsuch as song titles, song length, song release dates, artists, authors,owners, aliases, chart rankings, or other desired information. In someembodiments, one or more content libraries may store one or morecategories of information which is different from the categories storedon one or more other content libraries. It should be noted that contentfrom content libraries A 413, B 415, and C 417 is not necessarilylimited to songs and information related to songs. For example, contentlibrary A 413 may include video and related information, content libraryB 415 may store audio and related information, and content library C 417may provide commercial information such as advertisements or the like.

The various types of content contained in content libraries A 413, B415, and C may be referred to as “works” in the present disclosure.Furthermore, as used herein, the term “works” is intended to include ata minimum content that falls within the meaning of works as used incopyright law, but is not intended to be limited to only copyrighteligible content. Instead, the term works is meant to be interpreted inits broadest sense as including any of various perceivable content thatmay be delivered by processing system 420, or another suitableprocessing system, to subscribers, end-users, or other systems.

As used herein, the term “subscriber” is intended to encompass not onlyindividuals, companies, or other entities who pay a fee or register toreceive particular services, although such entities are envisionedwithin the term subscriber. Instead, the term subscriber may alsoinclude individual end-users, viewers and listeners, or other entitiesto which processing system 420 may deliver a work, regardless of whetherthe delivered work includes enhanced content or otherwise. In someembodiments, for example, “subscriber” may refer to an intermediary,such as a broadcaster. But “subscriber” may also refer to an end userwho receives the content from the broadcaster.

Processing system 420 can be used to provide works and related contentto subscriber A 431, subscriber B 433, and subscriber C 435. SubscriberA 431 can receive information from processing system 420 and providethat information via broadcast equipment 441 to a portable receiver 451.Note that broadcast equipment 441 can include any of various terrestrialbroadcasting stations, units, and other equipment. Portable receiver 451is depicted as a personal digital assistant (PDA), but is not solimited. Portable receiver 451 may also include any suitable portable orfixed location device, such as a cellular or other wireless telephone, alaptop or other mobile computing device, a desktop, a portable radio, adigital or analog music player, or the like, that allows a user inpossession of the device to receive broadcast signals or otherterrestrial wireless signals from broadcast equipment 441.

Likewise, processing system 420 can be used to provide works and relatedcontent to subscriber B 433, which in turn transmits informationreceived from processing system 420 via satellite 443 to satellitereceiver 453. Although satellite receiver 453 is depicted as a vehicle,it is not so limited, and may include any suitable device capable ofreceiving satellite broadcast signals. Such devices may include radios,digital or analog music players, mapping devices, or other similardevices capable of receiving a satellite signal.

Processing system 420 can also be used to provide works and relatedcontent to subscriber C 435, which can transmit received content tonetworked receiver 455 via network 445. Although networked receiver 455is illustrated as a laptop computer, it is not so limited. Networkedreceiver 455 may include any of various devices capable of communicationvia a wireless or wired network, and can include various radios,televisions, personal computing devices, workstations, laptops,desktops, PDAs, smart phones, or the like.

Network 445 may include any of various local or wide area networks,including, but not limited to a public switched telephone network(PSTN), a cellular telephone network, a home or business local areanetwork, or the like. Subscriber C 435 may be, for example, an Internetprovider, television broadcaster, radio station, music service, or thelike that provides works or associated content via network 445. Network445 can include elements and subsystems in common with broadcast station441 and satellite 443. Furthermore, a single device (not illustrated)may be capable of serving multiple functions, and may includecommunication interfaces permitting that single device to act as aportable receiver 451, a satellite receiver 453, and a networkedreceiver 455.

In general operation, processing system 420 can receive information fromone or more of content library A 413, content library B 415, and contentlibrary C 417. The received information can be enhanced with informationfrom enhancement library 407, and associated with a unique number fromUNS database 405. Processing system 420 may store the informationreceived from the content libraries in UNS database 405 or in anothersuitable storage device, or may simply pass through the content,enhanced or unenhanced, to one or more of subscriber A 431, subscriber B433, and subscriber C 435. In addition to the content, processing system420 can provide from UNS database 405 the unique identifier associatedwith the content.

The content provided to subscriber A 431 need not be the same contentprovided to subscriber B 433 or subscriber C 435. In some embodiments,for example although the same work is provided to multiple subscribers,each subscriber can be provided different enhanced content. Subscriber A431, for example, may receive a minimal amount of enhanced contentincluding a title, while subscriber B 433 receives additional enhancedcontent, such as a title, the work's release date, the work's highestBillboard chart ranking, and the name of the work's author. By providingsubscriber A 431, subscriber B 433, and subscriber C 435 with contentfrom one or more of content library A 413, content library B 415, andcontent library C 417 in conjunction with a unique identifier from UNSdatabase 405 associated with each content, processing system 420 canprovide improved tracking and monitoring of content delivered toportable receiver 451, satellite receiver 453, and networked receiver455.

Referring next to FIG. 5, various embodiments of a processing system 500are disclosed. Processing system 500 can receive works or other contentfrom various sources, and can assign the works unique identifiers thatare part of a unified numbering system. In some embodiments, a work isprovided to a broadcaster along with its unique identifier. Thebroadcaster or another entity can provide a message to processing system500 indicating that a work is being broadcast. In response to themessage, processing system 500 can match the work identified in themessage with one of the works assigned a unique number. The matching canpermit more effective management of the works.

Processing system 500 can include server system 520, which can receiveworks from one or more of provider A, provider B, and provider C, anddeliver enhanced information to broadcasters or other subscribers.Additionally, server system 520 can receive a push-now-playing (PNP)message from a broadcaster or other source indicating that a particularwork is scheduled to be broadcast in the near future, or that the workis currently being broadcast. A PNP message, for example, can include alist of the next 10 songs, advertisements, spots, or other works abroadcaster is intending to broadcast or otherwise deliver to end users.The first work on the list can indicate a work that is currently beingdelivered; the second work can indicate the very next work to bedelivered, and so on. In some embodiments, a series of one or more PNPmessages can be received from each subscriber at predetermined periodsof time, with each PNP message being updated with more recentinformation.

Server system 520 can include data pull subsystem 527, which obtains oneor more of provider A content, provider B content, and provider Ccontent. Server system 520 may also include transformation subsystem523, which can convert some or all of the content obtained by data pullsubsystem 527 into a desired format usable by server system 520. In someembodiments, transformation subsystem 523 selectively converts songs,advertisements and other content based on whether or not the content isalready in a format suitable for processing by the remainder of serversystem 520. For example, transformation subsystem 523 can transformprovider A content and provider B content, but pass provider C contentto other portions of server system 520 without transformation. In someembodiments, data pull subsystem 527 includes circuitry or logic thatcan deliver content directly to UNS Database 519, content database 521,or another portion of server system 520, thereby bypassingtransformation subsystem 523. In some embodiments transformationsubsystem 523 can leave the majority of the content received from datapull subsystem 527 unaltered, and be utilized primarily for transformingidentifying information, such as proprietary numbering systems, into asuitable format for use by server system 520.

In some embodiments, songs, advertisements, and other works included inprovider A content, provider B content, and provider C content can bestored in content database 521, while identifying information associatedwith the works is separated from the works and stored in one or more ofUNS database 519, enhancing database 513, and/or another desiredlocation separate from the location in which the works are stored. Insome such embodiments, appropriate database links are stored along withthe works and the identifying information, so that the relationshipsbetween the separately stored works and identifying information can bemaintained. In some embodiments, however, works and identifyinginformation can be stored together.

UNS database 519 can store unique identifiers and other informationassociated with works included in provider A content, provider Bcontent, and provider C content. UNS database 519 can also exchangeinformation with subscriber management service 509, content database521, matching subsystem 515, and enhancing database 513. In someembodiments, enhanced data from enhancing database 513 and informationfrom UNS database 519 can be provided to web service 505, which can inturn provide that information to broadcasters or other subscribers.

Subscriber management service 509 can include various tools to allowsubscribers, to transmit their preferences to server system 520.Subscriber management service 509 can also provide a subscriber with theability to add or remove particular works or associated content frominformation transmitted to the subscriber from server system 520. Forexample, a subscriber may indicate that he does not want to receive aparticular song from server system 520, or that along with each songprovided by server system 520 the subscriber wants to receive particularenhancing data—either for the subscriber's own consumption, or to bebroadcast to end-users or other entities.

Matching subsystem 515 can match information included in incomingmessages to information stored in the UNS database to facilitatetracking works that have been publicly performed. For example, a PNPmessage can include information associated with a work that is being orwill be publicly performed, including a UNS identifier associated with aparticular song. If a PNP message includes a UNS identifier, matchingsystem 515 verifies that UNS identifier included in the PNP messagematches a UNS identifier stored in the UNS database. If the UNSidentifier in the PNP message matches a UNS identifier stored in the UNSdatabase, server system 520 can retrieve the work associated with theUNS identifier from content database 521 and enhancing data associatedwith the UNS identifier from enhancing database 513. The work and theenhancing data can be provided to web service 505, which in turndelivers to subscribers the work associated with the UNS identifiercontained in the PNP message.

In some instances the PNP message may not contain a UNS identifier.Where a PNP message does not contain a UNS identifier, a work can bematched to a UNS identifier associated with a known work based on otherinformation. For example, a PNP message can contain information such asa song's title, or the artist's name. A PNP message can also include astation identifier and an indication of when the work was broadcast.Matching subsystem 515 can attempt to identify which of the uniquenumbers in UNS database 519 is associated with a work having the samesong title, artist, or other information included in the PNP message

If a match is found, web service 505 can be provided with the workassociated with the UNS identified, along with enhanced data fromenhancing database 513. The desired type and scope of enhanced dataprovided to a broadcaster or other subscriber can be regulated based onindicated subscriber preferences, which can be stored in subscribermanagement service 509.

In some instances, a PNP message may not include information that can bematched to a UNS identifier stored in UNS database 519. In that event,matching subsystem 515 can generate a no-match indicator, and providethat indicator to another system (not illustrated) for further review.Further review and matching may be performed by one or more machines, orby humans if necessary.

Web service 505 can provide to subscribers content that includes a UNSidentifier from UNS database 519. The UNS identifier can be provided inconjunction with an advertisement, a song, or other work. When asubscriber broadcasts or plays the work, it can provide server system520 with a PNP message that indicates works that may be played, havebeen played, or are scheduled to be played. Server system 520, can usematching system 515, along with the information included in the PNPmessage to ensure that the proper entity receives appropriatecompensation for the use of their work. For example, rather than payinga fee based solely on the general popularity of a song, or the averagenumber of times a work is aired, some embodiments facilitate payment ofroyalties based on the number of times a work is actually publiclyperformed. Likewise, rather than setting advertising rates basedprimarily on demographic data, server system 520 can determine eachinstance a particular spot is played, broadcast, or aired, and setadvertising rates based on that determination.

Referring next to FIG. 6, an interactive system 600 according to variousembodiments is disclosed. System 600 may include processing system 620,which can provide broadcast content to broadcasters 615, and can receiveuser selections generated at an end-user device 605. User selections canbe transmitted to processing system 620 via computer 609, which isconnected to processing system 620 through networks 613. Processingsystem 620 can also provide user content to end-user device 605 based onthe selections received from end-user device 605. In some embodiments,computer 609 can be any device that can communicate with end-user device605 and processing system 620. For example, computer 609 may include atelevision, digital recorder, music recording and/or playing device,laptop, desktop, or some other end-user device.

Broadcasters 615 can receive broadcast content via network 613, andtransmit some or all of the received content utilizing broadcastequipment 607. The broadcast content can include songs, videos,advertisements, or other works to be broadcast. Broadcast content canalso include enhanced content, a UNS identifier associated with the workor the enhanced content, and other information as desired. Some or allof the broadcast content may be used internally by the broadcaster,broadcast for reception by end user 605, or both. The format of thecontent being broadcast by broadcasting equipment 607 can include HD,HD2, or RDS compliant radio signals, or other suitable broadcastingsignal formats disclosed in other embodiments herein.

End-user device 605 may be equipped with a radio tuner that receives HD,HD2 or RDS radio signals that include information in addition totraditional AM/FM content. In some embodiments, however, end-user device605 requires no special receiver equipment. End-user device 605 may alsoinclude a selection button (not illustrated) that allows a user ofend-user device 605 to tag, mark, or otherwise select certain broadcastspots or other portions of a broadcast for future action. End-userdevice 605 may also include other selection mechanisms, including atouch screen device, a track ball, a wheel, or any other device suitablefor controlling and selecting.

Consider the following example, in which end-user device 605 isreceiving a broadcast of a song the user of end-user device 605 findsappealing. The user can press a selection button or otherwise utilizeend-user device 605 to generate an indication that marks or tags thesong, or marks the then-current time and station to which end-userdevice 605 is tuned. In some embodiments the selection can be made atany time during the song, or for a short period of time after the songhas finished.

Later, when the end-user device can be connect to computer 609, forexample via a docking station, a wired connection, a wirelessconnection, or otherwise, end-user device 605 can initiate a transfer ofinformation indicating the earlier selection made by the user toprocessing system 620 via computer 609 and network 613. In someembodiments a device other than end-user device 605 may initiate thetransfer. In response to receiving the user's selection, processingsystem 620 can upload user content to end-user device 605 via network613 and computer 609. In some embodiments, the content sent byprocessing system 620 can be delivered to a destination other thanend-user device 605, depending on user preferences. In some embodiments,delivery of content is subject to payment of a royalty or other fee.

The content provided by processing system 620 can include the tagged ormarked song, advertisement, or other work, and may also include a workthat was being played during the time end-user 605 made his selection.In some embodiments, the content may also include enhanced contentrelated to the selected work, including background information on theartist, a coupon to receive a promotional item, or other desiredcontent. The functionality provided by some embodiments can find use incircumstances where a user may wish to contact a business sponsor, butmay not have an immediate method of recording the sponsor's contactinformation. In such a case, a user can simply press a button and tagthe spot or commercial for delivery at a later time. Some embodimentsutilize an end-user device 605 that includes wireless networkconnectivity functionality. In such a case, when a user hears the spot,song, or other content for which he wishes to receive additionalinformation, he can contemporaneously retrieve the requested contentfrom processing system 620.

Various embodiments of processing system 620 can deliver content basedon subscriber preferences indicate the type of information a subscriberwishes to receive. These preferences can include, for example, anindication that upon selecting a song by a particular artist, thesubscriber wishes to receive a list of other songs by the artist, or inthe same genre, for possible purchase or simply for his own edification.In other embodiments, a subscriber may use end-user device 605 toindicate that he wants to receive concert dates for a selected artist,historical information about particular members of a band performing theselected work, or other desired content related to a song, music video,television program, or other work.

In some embodiments, if enough subscribers request the same types ofinformation, processing system 620 may provide a notification tobroadcaster 615 indicating the number of requests. In response to thenotification, broadcaster 615 may then request processing system 620 toprovide the additional information to the broadcaster 615, so thatbroadcaster 615 can broadcast the requested information. In otherembodiments, multiple broadcasters in different areas (not illustrated)may receive the same work to be broadcast, but receive differentenhancing information, such that the eventual broadcast by anyparticular broadcaster may be different from the broadcast of anotherbroadcaster, even though both broadcasters are receiving the same workfrom processing system 620 concurrently.

Referring next to FIG. 7, a method 700 according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure is illustrated. Method 700 begins at block 701. Asillustrated in block 705, a system employing a unified numbering system(UNS) can receive identifiers identifying particular works, for examplesongs, advertisements, or other broadcast spots. In some embodiments,this includes receiving a PNP message that can include a UNS identifieror a non-UNS identifier, such as a song title, artist name, or the like.In some embodiments, identifiers can also be received from variouscontent providers. Identifiers received from content providers can be,in some instances, identifiers that are incompatible with identifiersused by one or more of the other content providers. The identifiersreceived from a content provider can include proprietary ornon-proprietary identifiers, which are not necessarily incompatible withidentifiers received from other content providers.

As illustrated in block 709, each of the received identifiers can beassociated with an identifier selected from a set of unique, UNSidentifiers. In some embodiments, the association can be accomplishedbased on a look-up procedure performed to determine if the identifier isa UNS identifier. In other instances, for example where the identifieris a non-UNS identifier, establishing an association with a UNSidentifier can be performed by comparing an alias or other non-UNSidentifier related to corresponding content associated with a work thatis already associated with a UNS identifier. Thus, an associationbetween a received identifier and a work already associated with a UNSidentifier can be established, and on the basis of that association, thereceived work can be associated with a UNS identifier.

As illustrated in block 713, identifiers and other information can bestored in a database. In some embodiments, the identifiers and otherinformation are stored together in a common database, while in someembodiments the identifiers are stored separately from other informationand content. Thus, for example, one database implemented on one or morestorage devices can be used for maintaining a database of UNSidentifiers, another database can be used to implement storage ofvarious non UNS identifiers and associated content, and yet anotherdatabase or set of databases can be used to store works themselves. Inother embodiments, identifiers, associated content, works, and otherinformation can be stored together in a single database, or in someother desired combination of databases.

As illustrated in block 717, the unique identifiers or other informationassociated with a work can be used to track public performances of thework. For example, a particular work can be identified based on a UNSidentifier received in a push-now-playing (PNP) message. In someembodiments, the fact that a UNS identifier is included in a PNP messagecan be interpreted to mean that the work has been broadcast or otherwisepublicly performed. Thus, if a list or some other collection of UNSidentifiers that have been included in a PNP message is maintained, thatlist can be used to track which works have been publicly performed.

In some embodiments, various acknowledgement indicators, responsesdelivered via alternative media, or other suitable non-PNP messages mayinclude UNS identifiers or other content that can also be used to trackpublic performances of works. For example, a message can include timeindicators, source indicators, or various other information allowing thepublic performance of a work to be tracked to particular individuals,businesses, broadcasters, or other entities with a desired degree ofdetail. Furthermore, in some embodiments messages may not include UNSidentifiers.

As illustrated in block 723, a determination can be made regardingwhether a work is a song, movie, television show, or otherroyalty-generating work. The determination about whether the work is aroyalty generating work can be made based on a UNS identifier or otherinformation received in a PNP message or other message received from asubscriber or other entity, based on content associated with the work,or using another technique consistent with the present disclosure. Forexample, if a UNS identifier is associated with a copyrighted song, aroyalty indicator flag, or some other suitable indicator, can be set inone or more of a UNS database, an enhancing database, a contentdatabase, or some other database.

As illustrated by block 731, if the work is of a type for which royaltypayments might be due based on the work's public performance, royaltiescan be calculated. Royalty calculations can be based on an agreed amountdue for each performance of the work, based upon various legal orstatutory requirements, or set as otherwise desired. In someembodiments, the determination includes determining whether or not aroyalty is due for a particular public performance of the work. Thus,the amount of royalties calculated can be zero. Note that as usedherein, calculating royalties can include calculating a royalty rate.

As illustrated in block 727, if the work is not a royalty generatingwork, a decision can be made to determine if the work is a revenuegenerating work, for example an advertising spot or another type of workthat someone pays to have broadcast. The determination about whether thework is a revenue generating work can be made based on a UNS identifieror other information received in a PNP message or other message receivedfrom a subscriber or other entity, based on content associated with thework, or using another technique consistent with the present disclosure.

As illustrated in block 735, if the work is an advertising spot or otherrevenue generating work, an advertising rate can be calculated. Theadvertising rate can be calculated using information related to trackedpublic performances. For example a list, database, or other collectionof UNS identifiers can indicate particular advertisements or otherrevenue generating works that have been publicly performed. Contentassociated with the UNS identifiers can include an advertiser's name,address, type of product being advertised, and other relatedinformation. Additionally, other information or content received in aPNP or other message can provide a market, a time of broadcast, or otherdesired information. Using some or all of this information inconjunction with a UNS number, can be used to calculate an advertisingrate based on a number of times a particular work has been broadcast, inwhich market particular spots have been aired, or the like. Furthermore,some embodiments receive information associated with subscriberinteraction with particular content. In some of these embodiments,calculating an advertising rate can include considering how manysubscribers or other users actually interacted with particular portionsof particular works. Note that as used herein, calculating anadvertising rate can include calculating an actual amount of revenuerelated to a particular work.

As illustrated by block 741, if the work is neither a royalty generatingwork nor a revenue generating work, for example if the work is a publicdomain work, a news item, or the like, method 700 can end. As furtherillustrated by block 741, method 700 can end after calculation ofroyalties or an advertising rate.

Referring next to FIG. 8, a method 800 according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure is illustrated. Method 800 begins at block 801. Asillustrated by block 805, information or other content related to a workcan be received at a server or other processing system in the form of apush-now-playing (PNP) message sent from a broadcaster. In someembodiments, the received information can be received in a form otherthan a PNP message. For example, the information can be received inresponse to a request for information related to one or more works, orin conjunction with an upload of works or other related content.Furthermore, the information can be received from a source other than abroadcaster; for example an individual subscriber or a content provider.

In some embodiments, the received information can include a UNSidentifier, a non-UNS identifier, an alias, or attributes such as atitle, author, or length. In some embodiments, the received informationcan be associated with a broadcast work, such as a song oradvertisement, or with a work that has been or will be delivered to atargeted individual or group. In some embodiments, the informationrelate to a work that is being delivered from a content provider. Invarious embodiments, an attempt can be made to match a work associatedwith the received content with a work that has been previouslyassociated with a unique identifier stored in a UNS database.

As illustrated in block 807, in response to receiving content or otherinformation related to a work, one or more databases can be accessed bya server or processing system. The accessed databases may reside localto the server or other processing system. In some embodiments, theaccessed databases can be a remote database maintained by a contentprovider, a broadcaster, or otherwise. Furthermore, the one or more ofthe accessed databases can be distributed across multiple physicallocations and machines, maintained in a single location using a singlemachine, or some combination of the above. In at least one embodiment,the accessed database includes a unified number system (UNS) databaseassociating a unique identifier with a particular work, and/orinformation associated with that work.

As illustrated by block 809, data obtained by accessing one or moredatabases can be used in matching a work associated with receivedinformation with a work previously associated with a UNS identifier. Forexample, the received information can be checked to see if it includes aUNS identifier, and if so, the received UNS identifier can be comparedto UNS identifiers stored in a UNS database. If the received UNSidentifier matches a UNS identifier stored in the UNS database, a matchindicator can be generated.

As illustrated by block 811, a first match indicator can be generated ifa UNS identifier received in a PNP message, in conjunction with a work,or from some other source, matches a UNS identifier stored in a UNSdatabase. The first match indicator can include setting or appending oneor more flag bits to the received identifier, generating a new messageindependent of the received UNS identifier, storing a link to thelocation of the matched UNS identifier within the UNS database, oremploying other suitable indication techniques consistent with thepresent disclosure.

As illustrated by block 813, if the received information includes whatappears to be a UNS identifier, but the received UNS identifier does notmatch a UNS identifier stored in a UNS database, or if the receivedinformation does not include anything that appears to be a UNSidentifier, an attempt can be made to match based on attributes. Thereceived information can include attributes associated with a work, forexample an alias, a title, an artist name, a broadcaster identifier, atime identifier, or other desired attributes associated with a work.Various databases, for example a UNS database, an enhanced contentdatabase, a scheduling database, or the like can include informationthat relates and associates a work to a unique identifier. The receivedattributes can be compared to the attributes in the various databases inan attempt to match the received attributes to the attributes of a workpreviously associated with a UNS identifier.

For example, consider the case in which received attributes include atitle, artist, length and an air time. Assume further that data obtainedfrom one or more databases shows that attributes of a particular workassociated with a particular UNS identifier match the receivedattributes. The conclusion can then be reached that the receivedattributes refer to the work associated with that particular UNSidentifier.

In some embodiments, a desired level of certainty can be set as a limitfor considering whether the attributes match. For example, if athreshold of 70% is used, then 7 out of 10 attributes could be requiredto exactly match before block 813 would return a positive indication. Insome embodiments, ranges can be used. For example, a received attributeindicating an air time of 16 seconds after 8:05 pm can be considered tomatch an attribute of 8:04 and 89 seconds, because the two attributesdiffer by less than 30 seconds. Other limits and thresholds may also beused. Furthermore, various matching techniques, for example translationof all numbers expressed as words into numerical values, root analysis,and noise-word removal can also be utilized in a matching processaccording to some embodiments of the disclosure.

As illustrated in block 815, after the received attributes are matchedto the attributes of a work associated with a UNS identifier, a secondmatch indictor can be generated. The second match indicator, like thefirst match indicator, can include setting or appending one or more flagbits to the received identifier, generating a new message independent ofthe received UNS identifier, storing a link to the location of thematched UNS identifier within the UNS database, or employing othersuitable indication techniques consistent with the present disclosure.

As illustrated in block 817, if the received information does notinclude either a UNS identifier that matches an existing UNS identifier,or attributes that match the attributes of a work associated with anexisting UNS identifier, a no-match indicator can be generated. Like thefirst and second match indicators, the no-match indicator may take theform of a flag, a message, a physical indication, or some other suitableindicator consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in block 819, in response to the no-match indictor, awork associated with the received information can be assigned a new UNSidentifier. In some embodiments, assigning a new UNS identifier to thework associated with the received information can include generating awork order, email or other message indicating that manual action mightbe required. In some embodiments, however, especially when the receivedinformation includes a work, no manual action may be required. Forexample, in the case where a content provider sends a work and relatedcontent to be catalogued for the first time, there may not be a UNSidentifier associated with either the work or any other work having thesame attributes. In that case, the work can be stored in a contentdatabase, the content and attributes associated with the work can bestored in an enrichment database, and the UNS identifier assigned tothat work can be stored in a UNS database, as illustrated by block 821.In some embodiments, the UNS identifier can be stored without storingthe remainder of the information. Furthermore, some or all of thereceived information can be stored together or separately in one or anumber of databases.

As illustrated by block 823, after a work has been matched to orassociated with a UNS identifier, the UNS identifier can be stored in aperformance list. It should be noted that various embodiments, forexample embodiments that do not implement tracking, can omit block 823,as desired. The performance list can include any of various types ofworks, including advertisement spots, songs, television shows, or othermedia content that has been provided, performed, or broadcast. Bystoring the UNS identifier in a performed list, a more accurateaccounting of royalties due, advertising payments due, or variousroyalty and advertising rates can be calculated. Method 800 ends asillustrated by block 825.

Referring next to FIG. 9, a method 900 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure is illustrated. Method 900 begins as illustrated byblock 901. As illustrated by block 903, a subscriber preference relatedto a song, advertisement or other work can be received. In someembodiments, the subscriber may include a broadcaster or other entitythat provides works to others via a broadcast medium such as radio orthe Internet. A subscriber may also include an end user or consumer towhom works are provided. The subscriber preference may include anindication about which particular works a subscriber wants to receive,which information related to a work the subscriber wishes to receive,the method by which the work or related content is to be delivered, thefrequency with which the subscriber wants to receive information, thecriticality of delivery, alternate preferences, or other desiredinformation.

In some embodiments, the preference may include a UNS identifierindicating a work that has been delivered to a user. A preference mayalso include a UNS identifier associated with a work related to anotherwork, which has been received by a subscriber via broadcast, Internet,or other means. A preference from a broadcaster, for example, mayinclude the UNS identifier of a work for which a subscriber desires toobtain additional attributes or related content. In some embodiments, apreference may include the UNS identifier of a song a subscriber wantsdownloaded to a song repository or content database. In someembodiments, preferences may not include UNS identifiers.

Subscriber preferences can be received via any of various sources,including unsolicited messages, responses to inquiries, or third partyservices. In some embodiments, subscriber preferences may be based onpreferences of a group to which the subscriber is a member. In someembodiments, one or more subscriber preferences may be based on defaultsthat may or may not have been preset by the subscriber. Furthermore thepreferences can be delivered via the PSTN, the Internet, Satellite,cellular telephones, wireless networks, or other suitable transmissionmedia.

As illustrated by block 905, preferences from a second subscriber canalso be received. In some embodiments, the preferences from the secondsubscriber can relate to the same work to which preferences from anothersubscriber relate, although the preferences themselves are different. Inone or more embodiments, the preferences can relate to all works to bereceived by the subscribers from a particular source. For example, onesubscriber may submit a preference that indicates one subscriber wantsto receive a song's title and the artist's name whenever a song isreceived via an HD2 broadcast, while another subscriber may indicatethat he wants to receive a song's highest popularity rating in additionto the song's title and the artist's name. Furthermore, one of thesubscriber's may indicate that he wishes to receive other content orinformation via a second medium for every song broadcast during aparticular time frame.

As illustrated by block 907, the unique UNS identifier associated withthe work for which the first subscriber and the second subscriberindicated preferences can be determined utilizing various techniquesconsistent with the present disclosure. For example, the UNS identifiercan be included in the subscriber preferences, or the preferences may bematched to a UNS identifier based on associated content, attributes, orotherwise.

As illustrated by block 909, a determination can be regarding whetherthe song advertisement or other work referred to in a subscriber'spreference is currently being broadcast. The determination can be madebased on information contained in the subscriber preferences, based onthe content of a PNP message, based on a playlist, a list of providedcontent, or another desired technique consistent with the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated by blocks 915 and 917, in some embodiments, content canbe delivered to the first subscriber and the second subscriber inresponse to a determination that a particular work is currently beingbroadcast or otherwise provided to the first and second subscriber. Thecontent delivered to the first subscriber can be based on the firstsubscriber's preferences, while the content delivered to the secondsubscriber can be based on the second subscriber's preferences. Thus, insome embodiments, even though the same work is being provided to boththe first subscriber and the second subscriber, each subscriber canreceive different additional content related to the work.

As illustrated by block 913, if a work referred to by the subscribers'preferences is not currently being broadcast or otherwise delivered, adetermination can be made regarding whether or not a work referenced bythe subscribers' preferences has been previously broadcast. Thedetermination can be based on content included in one or more of thesubscriber preferences, information retrieved from one or moredatabases, information included in a PNP or other message, or in anothersuitable manner consistent with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated in block 919, in response to a determination that thesong or other work has been previously broadcast or otherwise publiclyperformed, the song, advertisement, work or other related content can bedelivered to subscribers. Method 900 ends as illustrated by block 923.

It should be appreciated that although some of the illustratedembodiments are directed to providing content based on a work that iscurrently or was previously broadcast, in some embodiments, content canbe provided to a subscriber while a work is pending broadcast ordelivery.

The methods and processes discussed previously, as well as otherembodiments, may be implemented in a processing system executing a setof instructions stored in memory, or on a removable computer readablemedium. An example of a system according to some embodiments isillustrated in FIG. 10. Referring now to FIG. 10, a high-level blockdiagram of a processing system is illustrated and discussed. Processingsystem 1000 may include one or more central processing units, such asCPU A 1005 and CPU B 1007, which may be conventional microprocessorsinterconnected with various other units via at least one system bus1010. CPU A 1005 and CPU B 1007 may be separate cores of an individual,multi-core processor, or individual processors connected via aspecialized bus 1011. In some embodiments, CPU A 1005 and/or CPU B 1007may be a specialized processor, such as a graphics processor, otherco-processor, or the like.

Processing system 1000 may include random access memory (RAM) 1020;read-only memory (ROM) 1015, wherein the ROM 1015 could also be erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM) or electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM); an input/output (I/O) adapter1025, for connecting peripheral devices such as disk units 1030, opticaldrive 1036, or tape drive 1037 to system bus 1010; a user interfaceadapter 1040 for connecting keyboard 1045, mouse 1050, speaker 1055,microphone 1060, and/or other user interface devices to system bus 1010;a communications adapter 1065 for connecting processing system 1000 toan information network such as the Internet or any of various local areanetworks, wide area networks, telephone networks, or the like; anddisplay adapter 1070 for connecting system bus 1010 to a display devicesuch as monitor 1075 or television display. Mouse 1050 has a series ofbuttons 1080, 1085 and may be used to control a cursor shown on monitor1075.

It will be understood that processing system 1000 may include othersuitable data processing systems and circuitry without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure. For example, processing system 1000may include bulk storage and cache memories, which provide temporarystorage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number oftimes code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution.

Various disclosed embodiments can be implemented in hardware, software,or a combination containing both hardware and software elements. In oneor more embodiments, the invention is implemented in software, whichincludes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode,etc. Some embodiments may be realized as a computer program product, andmay be implemented as a computer-usable or computer-readable mediumembodying program code for use by, or in connection with, a computer, aprocessor, or other suitable instruction execution system.

For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computerreadable medium can be any apparatus or tangible thing that embodies theprogram for use by or in connection with the instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device. By way of example, and not limitation,computer readable media may comprise any of various types of computerstorage media, including volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any suitable method or technology forstorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage mediainclude, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by acomputer. Data structures and transmission of data (including wirelesstransmission) particular to aspects of the disclosure are alsoencompassed within the scope of the disclosure.

Various embodiments have been described for delivering content relatedto a commercial media program. Other variations and modifications of theembodiments disclosed may be made based on the description provided,without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for use in a Unified Numbering System(UNS) configured to assign unique identifiers to a plurality of primarymedia content items, the method comprising: associating a first UNSidentifier with a primary media content item, wherein the first UNSidentifier is selected from a set of unique identifiers; associating atleast one second UNS identifier with at least one enrichment contentitem, wherein the at least one second UNS identifier is selected fromthe set of unique identifiers; establishing an indirect link between theprimary media content item and the at least one enrichment content itemby associating the at least one second UNS identifier with the first UNSidentifier; and providing the at least one enrichment content item to asubscriber based on the indirect link.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding the enrichment content item comprises: transmitting, from aUNS system to a third party provider, a signal authorizing the thirdparty provider to transmit the enrichment content item to thesubscriber.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the enrichmentcontent item comprises: transmitting the enrichment content item from acontent database included in the UNS system to the subscriber.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein providing the enrichment content itemcomprises: receiving a push-now-playing (PNP) message from thesubscriber; generating an enriched PNP message that includes theenrichment content item; and forwarding the enriched PNP message to thesubscriber.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein associating a first UNSidentifier with a primary media content item comprises: associating eachinstance of a media item having multiple different aliases with thefirst UNS identifier.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:establishing a plurality of indirect links between the primary mediacontent item and a plurality of enrichment content items by associatinga plurality of second UNS identifiers with the first UNS identifier;selecting particular enrichment content items based on both theplurality of indirect links and on subscriber preferences associatedwith the primary media content item; and providing the particularenrichment content items to the subscriber.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising: providing the enrichment content item to thesubscriber in response to receiving a message from the subscriber, themessage including metadata associated with at least one media contentitem scheduled for future playout by a radio automation systemassociated with the subscriber.
 8. A system comprising: a UnifiedNumbering System (UNS) server configured to: associate a first UNSidentifier with a primary media content item, wherein the first UNSidentifier is selected from a set of unique identifiers; associate atleast one second UNS identifier with at least one enrichment contentitem, wherein the at least one second UNS identifier is selected fromthe set of unique identifiers; an enhancement database configured toestablish an indirect link between the primary media content item andthe at least one enrichment content item by storing a relational entrylinking the at least one second UNS identifier with the first UNSidentifier; and a communications interface configured to provide the atleast one enrichment content item to a subscriber based on the indirectlink.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the communications interface isconfigured to provide the enrichment content item by transmitting, to athird party provider, a signal authorizing the third party provider totransmit the enrichment content item to the subscriber.
 10. The systemof claim 8, further comprising: a memory configured to store a contentdatabase including the enrichment content item.
 11. The system of claim8, the UNS server further including processing circuitry configured toimplement a push-now-playing (PNP) service, the PNP service configuredto: receive a PNP message from the subscriber; generate an enriched PNPmessage that includes the enrichment content item; and forward theenriched PNP message to the subscriber.
 12. The system of claim 8, theUNS server further configured to: associate each instance of a mediaitem having multiple different aliases with the first UNS identifier.13. The system of claim 8, further comprising: the enhancement databasefurther configured to establish a plurality of indirect links betweenthe primary media content item and a plurality of enrichment contentitems by storing a plurality of relational entries associating aplurality of second UNS identifiers with the first UNS identifier; theUNS server further configured to select particular enrichment contentitems based on both the plurality of indirect links and on subscriberpreferences associated with the primary media content item; and thecommunications interface further configured to provide the particularenrichment content items to the subscriber.
 14. The system of claim 8,the UNS server further configured to: control the communicationsinterface to provide the enrichment content item to the subscriber inresponse to receiving a message from the subscriber, the messageincluding metadata associated with at least one media content itemscheduled for future playout by a radio automation system associatedwith the subscriber.
 15. A Unified Numbering System (UNS) server, theUNS server comprising: a processor; a memory operably coupled to theprocessor; a non-transitory program of instructions configured to bestored in the memory and executed by the processor, the program ofinstructions including: at least one instruction to associate a firstUNS identifier with a primary media content item, wherein the first UNSidentifier is selected from a set of unique identifiers; at least oneinstruction to associate at least one second UNS identifier with atleast one enrichment content item, wherein the at least one second UNSidentifier is selected from the set of unique identifiers; at least oneinstruction to establish an indirect link between the primary mediacontent item and the at least one enrichment content item by storing arelational entry linking the at least one second UNS identifier with thefirst UNS identifier; and at least one instruction to provide the atleast one enrichment content item to a subscriber based on the indirectlink.
 16. The UNS server of claim 15, further comprising: at least oneinstruction to provide the enrichment content item by transmitting, to athird party provider, a signal authorizing the third party provider totransmit the enrichment content item to the subscriber.
 17. The UNSserver of claim 15, further comprising: at least one instruction toobtain the enrichment content item from a content enrichment database.18. The UNS server of claim 15, further including: at least oneinstruction to receive a PNP message from the subscriber; at least oneinstruction to generate an enriched PNP message that includes theenrichment content item; and at least one instruction to forward theenriched PNP message to the subscriber.
 19. The UNS server of claim 15,further comprising: at least one instruction to establish a plurality ofindirect links between the primary media content item and a plurality ofenrichment content items by storing a plurality of relational entriesassociating a plurality of second UNS identifiers with the first UNSidentifier; at least one instruction to select particular enrichmentcontent items based on both the plurality of indirect links and onsubscriber preferences associated with the primary media content item;and at least one instruction to provide the particular enrichmentcontent items to the subscriber.
 20. The UNS server of claim 15, furthercomprising: at least one instruction to provide the enrichment contentitem to the subscriber in response to receiving a message from thesubscriber, the message including metadata associated with at least onemedia content item scheduled for future playout by a radio automationsystem associated with the subscriber.